🌊 Introduction: Food Shaped by Sea, Currents, and Island Life
The food of Komodo National Park is deeply connected to the ocean and the rugged islands surrounding it.
Here, meals are practical, flavourful, and designed to fuel long days — whether spent fishing, farming, or diving.
Rather than complex techniques, Komodo’s regional cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and shared meals, reflecting the rhythm of island life in eastern Indonesia.
🐟 Seafood at the Heart of Komodo Cuisine
Living beside nutrient-rich waters means seafood is the foundation of most meals.
Commonly used ingredients include:
Fresh reef fish (snapper, grouper, tuna)
Squid and cuttlefish
Shellfish when available
Small pelagic fish dried or grilled
Fish is usually prepared grilled, pan-fried, or cooked in light broths, allowing freshness to take centre stage.
🍚 Everyday Dishes from the Komodo Region
Ikan Bakar
Charcoal-grilled fish brushed with sweet soy sauce and served with rice and sambal. Simple, smoky, and filling.
Flores Ikan Bakar
Nasi Campur
A mixed plate of rice with small portions of fish or chicken, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and chilli sauces. A staple across Flores and Labuan Bajo.
Flores Nasi Campur
Sayur Daun Pepaya
Papaya leaves cooked to reduce bitterness, often paired with fish or rice dishes.
Sayur Daun Pepaya
Sambal Variations
Chilli sambals vary by household — from fresh raw sambals to cooked versions with tomato or shrimp paste.
Sambal
🌶 Balanced Flavours, Not Heavy Spice
Food in the Komodo region is flavourful but not overwhelming.
Spices are used to enhance, not dominate.
Common seasonings include:
Garlic and shallots
Chillies (used moderately)
Turmeric
Galangal
Lemongrass
This balance makes meals easy to digest — ideal for active days on the water.
🍛 Food Onboard a Komodo Liveaboard
On a Komodo liveaboard, food is designed around energy, consistency, and comfort.
Guests typically enjoy:
Breakfasts after morning dives
Warm lunches between dives
Hearty dinners after sunset
Fresh fruit, snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the day
Meals are filling and nourishing, prioritising recovery and enjoyment rather than restaurant-style presentation.
🌊 Why Food Matters on a Komodo Dive Trip
Diving Komodo often involves:
Strong currents
Multiple dives per day
Physical effort and concentration
Good food helps:
Maintain energy levels
Improve recovery between dives
Keep guests comfortable in tropical conditions
Well-planned meals are a key part of a successful Komodo liveaboard experience.
🇮🇩 Local Food, Local Communities
Sourcing ingredients locally supports:
Fishermen from Flores and nearby islands
Local markets in Labuan Bajo
Traditional food knowledge
Eating locally isn’t just affordable — it’s part of travelling responsibly in Komodo.